Arma dev announces new FPS/RTS hybrid that looks like a StarCraft shooter

Bohemia Interactive, the Czech studio behind the Arma games and DayZ, announced a brand new game on Thursday, one that combines real-time strategic combat with first-person shooting action. called Silicic acidthe hybrid RTS/FPS comes to Windows PC via Steam Early Access thanks to Bohemia’s incubator program.

Silicic acid was “largely developed” by a single person, Martin “Dram” Melichárek, who was the lead developer Take MarsBohemia Interactive said in a press release. The game lets players take on the role of a commander in RTS mode, overseeing their forces from orbit; or as a boots-on-the-ground infantry soldier who can control all units and vehicles, with their personal arsenal, in first-person view.

Silicic acid promises three gameplay modes:

• Strategy, described as the flagship game mode where players compete for dominance by building, harvesting and attacking their enemies. The mode combines RTS and FPS elements and is playable in up to three-way conflicts between factions.
• Prospector Mode, which has been pitched as a tutorial for Silicic acid. In first-person single or multiplayer, players are tasked with exploring the area in search of the precious material Balterium. Get in, get out, in this purposeful mode.
• Arena, described as a “crazy”, “unbalanced FPS free for all.”

Silicic acid launches on Steam “soon” and will be available in a 9-12 month early access window, Bohemia Interactive said.

The first-person shooter/real-time strategy hybrid genre is loved, but somewhat underrepresented in games due to its complexity. But standouts in the FPS/RTS space are some of the best PC gaming, including the classic Battle zone, Natural selectionAnd Enemy Territory: Quake Wars.